Spine
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A biomechanical model was developed from full-spine lateral radiographs to predict osteoporotic spinal deformity in elderly subjects. ⋯ These predictions suggest that postural forces are responsible for initiation of osteoporotic spinal deformity in elderly subjects. Vertebral deformities are exacerbated by anterior translation of the upper spinal column, which increases compressive loads in the thoracolumbar region of the spine.
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A retrospective study was conducted. ⋯ In single thoracic idiopathic scoliosis, NV is an important factor for the determination of fusion level. When preoperative NV and EV show no more than two-level gap differences, the curve should be fused down to NV. When the gap is more than two levels, fusion down to NV-1 is satisfactory, saving one or two motion segments, as compared with fusion extending to the stable vertebra.
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Case Reports
Arterial-esophageal fistula: a complication of nasogastric tube placement after lumbar spine surgery: a case report.
A case of arterial-esophageal fistula related to nasogastric tube placement in a 13-year-old girl after surgical correction of her progressive congenital lumbar kyphosis is presented. ⋯ Patients with congenital cardiac abnormalities frequently also have congenital spinal deformities. These patients may undergo spinal correction procedures requiring nasogastric intubation. Increased awareness of arterial-esophageal fistula among the spine surgery community may enhance early recognition and treatment of this potentially lethal condition.
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An electrophysiologic and histologic study on nerve roots after mechanical compression and/or local application of nucleus pulposus (NP) was performed. ⋯ It was shown that each of the assessed factors induces nerve dysfunction. However, the combination of mechanical compression (mass effect of herniated NP) and chemical irritation (inflammation around nerve root) may induce more nerve root injury than each factor per se.